I have been contacted by a individual who has a ferret that has a
confirmed diagnosis of FIP. It is similar to FIP in cats. From what
I understand it is a type of coronavirus that is relatively new in
ferrets. It is not known how it is spread or how it is contracted. I've
been told that a Dr. Ramsell (sp) is conducting experiments to come up
with a diagnosis protocol as well as some type of treatment. All other
types of ailments have been tested for and ruled out including ADV
and DIMS. The ferret is doing okay for now. There is no information
regarding this disease and we are hoping that maybe someone on one
of these groups has some experience or knowledge that would be useful
to us.

Here are some of the questions we have:

1. Has anyone heard of FIP in ferrets?

2. Does anyone know of any other ferrets diagnosed with this? If so,
how was it diagnosed and what was the treatment protocol? How is the
ferret doing now?

3. What precautions should be taken? The ferret in question has been
with two other ferrets and they are not showing any signs of having
FIP. One ferret was with the FIP ferret for one week and the other has
been with it for several months. I realize that isolation would be
ideal however it is not entirely possible in the current situation.
We are wondering if an air filter/cleaner of some sort might help. I
don't know the "size" of the virus so I don't know if any of the air
cleaners/filters out on the market would be sufficient.

4. What type of disinfectant cleaners should be used? In looking at
literature regarding FIP in cats, it says that normal household
cleaners will kill the virus. We are wondering if there is something
else that should be used in addition to normal household disinfectants.

As I said we were told that this is something relatively new in ferrets
so we're not sure of what questions we should ask or where to go for
information. Any information would be deeply and gratefully
appreciated.

Thank you,
Mary...FnF

and her Wonderful Wascally Weasels
Frontier Ferrets Rescue and Shelter

[Posted in FML 5695]